The Kimbell Art Museum’s collection consists of about 350 works that not only epitomize their eras and styles, but also touch individual high points of aesthetic beauty and historical importance. The holdings extend from antiquity to the 20th century, including European masterpieces by artists ranging from Fra Angelico, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio to Cézanne and Matisse; important collections of Egyptian, Near Eastern, Greek, and Roman antiquities; an extensive collection of Asian art; and works from Mesoamerican and African cultures.

The Kimbell Art Museum is widely regarded as one of the outstanding architectural achievements of the modern era. Designed by American architect Louis I. Kahn (1901–1974), this classic modern building has won wide acclaim since its opening in 1972. Kahn’s innovative use of natural light and subtle articulation of space and materials greatly enhance the experience of the art.

The Museum’s exhibition and education programs have now grown far beyond those envisioned when Kahn’s building opened. A second building, designed by world-renowed architect Renzo Piano, is scheduled to open in 2013 and will provide space for special exhibitions, allowing the Kahn building to showcase the permanent collection. It will also accommodate dedicated education spaces and an approximately 300-seat auditorium.